Planning a COVID Wedding: How to Say “I Do” Safely
Venue… check!
Invitations… check!
Wedding gown and tux… check and check!
Wedding cake… check!
Flowers… check!
Menu… check!
Disinfecting wipes… check?
Wedding planning has always had an element of stress. After all, whenever you mix cherished dreams with challenging deadlines (and an often impossible budget), tensions are bound to run high. And since early 2020, happy couples around the world have had an additional stress to take into account: the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with some flexibility, foresight, and creativity, it’s possible to plan a COVID wedding. Check out these ideas that help keep your bridal party, guests, and vendors safe.
Think intimate, for now.
If you’ve always planned on a huge wedding bash with hundreds of guests, a symphony orchestra, and a mile-long buffet, you can still consider having that in the future. But for now — with COVID safety top of mind — a small, intimate gathering of your closest friends and family members will enable you to create beautiful memories of your wedding day.
According to UK wedding site Hitched, many couples in Europe have opted for what’s being referred to as a “minimony,” a small, in-person or virtual ceremony on their original wedding date, complete with an officiant or celebrant. They wear their wedding outfits, exchange vows and rings, and serve a mini-version of their wedding cake. Many of these couples then plan a larger “sequel” wedding to be held at a later date with all of their loved ones (often booking their venue on what will be their first anniversary).
A “minimony” gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get to enjoy both a private and romantic ceremony with just your nearest and dearest — and later have that big, gorgeous wedding you’ve always wanted (with an extra year to plan and save for it)!
Be transparent with your guests.
When you send your save-the-date announcement and wedding invitations, use the opportunity to share the safety measures you’ll be observing during your wedding and reception. Let guests know about your plans for social distancing. If you expect guests to wear masks — even if they have already been vaccinated — be clear so that they know ahead of time. This is also a good time to share whether you’ll be providing masks for guests so they can plan ahead.
You are the hosts, and as such, you get to decide what safety measures you want your guests to observe during the wedding. Be sure to reinforce these details on your wedding website if you have one. Information like this will help relieve potential anxiety some guests may have about attending.
Communicate with your vendors.
Not only should your guests be informed of your safety requirements, your vendors also need to be on the same page with you. Work with your venue when planning ceremony and reception seating and create a floor plan that encourages social distancing. Also, ask them about the frequency of restroom and kitchen sanitation during your event, especially if there are other events booked at the same time. Ask whether they will stock personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Nice ’N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes in high-traffic areas to encourage frequent wipe-downs of countertops and other hard surfaces where germs are typically found. Nice ’N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes are proven to kill 99.9% of viruses [1] and bacteria [2]. They’re also effective against the COVID-19 virusɸ after 3 minutes of contact time.
Check with your caterer and find out the precautions they take when preparing and serving food (wearing masks and gloves, etc.). If you have hired a DJ, discuss the music. Any dances that encourage guests to mingle closely or have direct contact on the dance floor should not be included on the playlist.
These conversations aren’t as fun as choosing your menu or picking out your first song, but they are extremely important. Remember, this is your event, and they are your vendors. They should respect your wishes, and keep the safety of your guests (and their staff) top of mind.
FIND OUT: Can Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?
Consider an outdoor venue.
Unfortunately, people who have been vaccinated, people without symptoms, or even those with a recent negative test result can all still spread the COVID-19 virus to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Large Gatherings page, people are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. The CDC recommends choosing an outdoor venue for both your ceremony and reception, particularly those with good ventilation with outdoor air, like tents with open sides and doors. And, as always, create seating arrangements and pathways for guests that encourage social distancing.
Bring the PPE to your party!
According to TheKnot.com, personal protective equipment is THE hot wedding favor for the second year in a row. It’s now possible to provide your guests with festive, personalized masks, sets of pre-packaged gloves, custom packages of wet wipes, or any other protective equipment they may need during your wedding. Put them together with a sweet treat and a personalized note in gift bags that match your wedding colors.
Be sure to slip in a travel pack of Nice ’N CLEAN® SANI-HANDS® Antibacterial Hand Wipes for each of your guests! Hypoallergenic and proven to kill and remove 99.9% of the most common bacteria [3] on hands, our hand wipes are more effective than gel sanitizers because they also wipe away dirt and grime. They are also sustainably made with renewable plant-based fibers, and are infused with aloe to help soothe and moisturize your hands.
LEARN MORE: Hand Sanitizer: Wipes vs. Gels
Celebrate your happiness safely!
While your wedding day may not be the fairy tale you originally imagined, remember to focus on what truly matters — love, family, health, and happiness. And just because you can’t have a huge wedding now doesn’t mean you can’t have your desired celebration later when the timing is better and safer for everyone. With careful planning, creativity, and flexibility, having a COVID wedding where you share the love and joy you’ve found with your partner can provide a day of hope and happiness for those who love you most, whether they celebrate in person or virtually!
References:
- https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/weddings-after-covid/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/large-gatherings.html
- https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-have-covid-wedding
